TWO multimillion-pound developments are to get under way in York next year, bringing new homes and extended educational facilities to the city.

City of York Council has approved plans for the former Terry’s Chocolate Works development and an application from Askham Bryan College for a £34 million expansion.

Work to build 85 new homes at the Bisthopthorpe Road site will begin immediately, according to York-based developer David Wilson Homes. The first phase will see 57 houses built, 29 apartments and a retail unit.

Paul Newman, managing director at David Wilson, said: “We can now set to work in earnest to provide the kind of quality new homes which our vibrant city needs. The site holds a special place in York’s history and we are determined to make a landmark statement which respects the heritage and reflects the architectural legacy of the former Terry’s Chocolate Works.”

The new homes are expected to go on sale in Spring.

Council leader Coun James Alexander said: “We are delighted that we’re able to help bring this brownfield site forward for much-needed homes.

“The Chocolate Works is a central platform in that programme.”

Askham Bryan College’s expansion, which will create 120 jobs and see almost 1,600 extra students based there by 2017/18, will now have to be approved by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles, because it is on a green belt site.

The plans include a purpose-built animal management centre and an international-standard equine centre.

The college, specialising in agriculture and land management courses, also plans to build a polo field, new teaching areas, a 300-student accommodation block and a glass roof over the campus’ quad, as well as improving its farm buildings and wildlife park.

Liz Philip, college chief executive and principal, told the meeting: “We educate around 5,000 people, and are seeing a rise in our student numbers. Our education is based on rural industry, and 60,000 additional jobs are needed in our industry due to a skills shortage.

“We are exceptionally well-placed to deliver world-class education.

“This is the largest investment in the college since it was built, and will see York leading the rest of the country.”

If approved, the scheme’s first phase, costing £6 million, would see the animal management centre built with the aim of opening it next September, followed by a £9.5 million stage including the equine centre, quad roof and farm improvements.